Tree stands

ABSTRACT

A tree stand is described including a fluid reservoir of a tree retaining member including tree gripping means. The gripping means comprises projections arranged on an interior surface of the tree retaining member and extending in a radial fashion, inwardly from the interior surface of the tree retaining member. The projections run substantially axially within the tree retaining member and include a sharp or pointed portion to at least partially penetrate the trunk of a tree inserted into the tree retaining member. The tree retaining member is configured to hold a tree inserted therein by resisting lifting of a tree inserted therein relative to the tree stand, without using moveable mechanical means comprising screws or bolts. The tree retaining member is connected to a base. The tree stand also includes strengthening means configured between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member. The strengthening means comprises hollow ribs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/503,769, filed Oct. 1, 2014, which is aDivisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/405,445,filed Feb. 27, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,451, issued Nov. 11, 2014which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/565,758, filed Apr. 18, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,291, issuedApr. 3, 2012, which is the National Stage of International ApplicationNo. PCT/GB2004/00893, filed Mar. 3, 2004 and published as WO 2005/016087on Feb. 24, 2005, which claims the benefit of UK Patent Application Nos.0318372.0, 0320545.7, 0323755.9, and 0324240.1, filed on Aug. 6, 2003,Sep. 2, 2003, Oct. 10, 2003, and Oct. 16, 2003, respectively, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to tree stands, and in particular, but notexclusively to Christmas tree stands. The invention also extends to akit; and a method of securing a tree to a tree stand.

Background

It is known to place cut trees in holders or stands to present the treeand enable it to be decorated with any desired items.

Particularly it is known at Christmas time to place cut trees, usuallyfir or spruce trees, in Christmas tree stands so that the Christmas treemay be presented in a domestic environment and decorated withappropriate Christmas decorations.

There are various types of stands available for securing a Christmastree. One commonly used type of stand is a cut-out section of a treetrunk which has a recess cut or bored partway through the section. Thecut trunk end of a Christmas tree is simply inserted into the recess inthe stand. The weight of the cut-out section effects stabilization ofthe Christmas tree and reduces the chance of the tree toppling. Thecircumference of the Christmas tree is usually chosen to besubstantially identical or slightly larger than the circumference of therecess in the stand, to enable a snug fit of the tree in the stand.

A problem with the above mentioned type of stand is that, due to thesnug fit of the Christmas tree in the recess, there is no provision fora water reservoir which will enable the cut end of the tree to drawwater and increase the working lifetime of the tree.

A second known type of stand comprises a generally cylindrical tubehaving a number of apertures into which can be threaded screws, and whena tree is inserted into the stand, the screws may be inserted such thatthey protrude into the cylinder and abut the trunk of the tree in orderto tightly restrain the tree in the stand. The stand is commonlyconnected to, or forms part of a weighted base member which helps toprevent the tree and stand from toppling over in use.

A disadvantage with this type of stand is the need for a user to bendover or kneel in order to loosen and tighten screws once a tree has beeninserted. This is particularly problematical for elderly or infirmpersons. Furthermore, the screws commonly work loose over a period oftime, especially if the tree is agitated, for example when beingdecorated.

It is therefore, at least, an aim of the embodiments to overcome ormitigate a problem of the prior art, whether expressly stated herein ornot.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, there is provided a tree stand comprising afluid reservoir about a tree retaining member. Strengthening means areprovided between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member.

According another aspect, there is provided a tree stand including afluid reservoir and a tree retaining member including tree grippingmeans. The tree gripping means include at least one projection.

According to an aspect, there is provided a tree stand including a fluidreservoir and a tree retaining member including spacing means. Thespacing means are arranged to in use maintain separation between atleast part of the end of a tree retained by the tree retaining means anda base portion of the tree retaining member.

The tree stand of the invention may include a combination two or moreof; tree gripping means as described herein; strengthening means asdescribed herein; and spacing means as described herein.

Suitably the tree retaining member is mounted within the fluidreservoir. The tree retaining member does not substantially protrudefrom the fluid reservoir.

The fluid reservoir includes a cylindrical or frustoconical member beingclosed at one end thereof, and the tree retaining member is connected tothe closed end of the cylindrical or frustoconical member. The treeretaining member includes a cylindrical member, and may be connectedconcentrically within the fluid reservoir to the closed end thereof.

The tree retaining member is the sole means for retaining a tree in thetree stand. Thus preferably, a tree inserted into the tree retainingmember is solely retained by abutment of the tree with the interiorsurface of the tree retaining member and gripping means. Thus The treeretaining member does not include mechanical means to retain a tree.Thus in order to retain a tree in the tree stand a user does not have toeffect operation of any mechanical means such as screws or bolts, anddoes not therefore have to kneel or bend to the ground level to insertand retain the tree.

Additionally or alternatively the tree stand may include a diaphragm onwhich is mounted a tree retaining member. The tree retaining member mayinclude an aperture within the diaphragm. The tree retaining member mayinclude a substantially cylindrical member or a substantiallyfrustoconical member mounted within the diaphragm. The tree retainingmember is positioned concentrically within the diaphragm.

The diaphragm is preferably arranged to be detachably connectable to thefluid reservoir, in use. Alternatively the diaphragm may be arranged tobe immovably fixed to the fluid reservoir, in use.

The diaphragm is substantially circular in plan. The diaphragm includesa body region and an edge region. The edge region is arrangeable to inuse contact an edge of the aperture of the fluid reservoir when thediaphragm is arranged with the fluid reservoir.

The edge region of the diaphragm is arranged to be push fit within theaperture of the fluid reservoir. The edge region of the diaphragm isarranged to extend above and/or below the body of diaphragm.

The edge region of the diaphragm may be arranged to be push fit on theoutside of the fluid reservoir at or in the region of the aperture ofthe fluid reservoir.

Thus fluid from a fluid reservoir is largely prevented from spillage bythe diaphragm. Spillage may be a problem when a tree is transported inplace in a tree stand, or if a tree stand is accidentally knocked ortipped.

The diaphragm includes a passageway therein which effects fluidcommunication between the exterior and interior of the fluid reservoir.

The diaphragm includes a plurality of passageways to effect fluidcommunication between the exterior and interior of the fluid reservoir.

An end of each passageway is located at a relatively low point on thediaphragm when the stand is arranged with a fluid reservoir.

The passageway or passageways are formed at or near to thetree-retaining member. The passageway or passageways are formed towardthe centre of the diaphragm.

The passageways or passageways are defined by a tube.

The tree-retaining member includes a cut out section to provide apassageway. In this instance the passageway is in use defined by thetree and the tree-retaining member. The edge region of the diaphragmincludes a cut out section to provide a passageway. In this instance thepassageway is in use defined by the edge region of the diaphragm and anedge of the aperture of the fluid reservoir. The tree-retaining memberand/or edge region of the diaphragm include a plurality of cut outsections.

The tree gripping means includes a plurality of projections arranged onthe interior surface of the tree retaining member, preferably in radialfashion.

The projections include veins running substantially axially with thetree retaining member. The tree gripping means includes two or more,more preferably three or more, still more preferably five or more andmost preferably ten or more veins. The veins are arranged to maintain adegree of separation between the tree trunk and portions of the interiorsurface of the tree retaining member.

The projections may include a sharp or pointed portion arranged in useto at least partially penetrate the trunk of a tree inserted into thetree retaining member.

The cylindrical length of the tree retaining member is substantiallyidentical to or less than the cylindrical length of the fluid reservoir.

The fluid reservoir and tree retaining member both include generallycylindrical members with the tree retaining member being connectedconcentrically within the fluid reservoir to the closed end of the fluidreservoir.

The fluid reservoir and tree retaining member are in fluidcommunication. The tree retaining member includes an aperture thereinwhich effects fluid communication between the tree retaining member andthe fluid reservoir.

The aperture is formed at or near to the portion of the tree retainingmember connected to the fluid reservoir.

There may be a plurality of apertures in the tree retaining member, eachaperture effecting fluid communication between the reservoir and treeretaining member.

The strengthening means includes a rib. The strengthening means includesa plurality of ribs. The strengthening means includes at least three,preferably at least four ribs. The ribs are disposed at substantiallyeven intervals about the tree retaining member. The ribs aresubstantially identical.

The ribs extend from the tree retaining member toward the fluidreservoir. The ribs connect between the tree retaining member and thefluid reservoir. The ribs protrude from the closed end of the fluidreservoir.

The ribs include sheet material. The ribs may include substantiallyplanar pieces of sheet material. The ribs may include open channels. Theopen channels may include a curved end portion. The ribs may includetubes, or bars of material. The ribs may include at least part of thefluid reservoir; and may be formed from part of the base of the fluidreservoir.

The ribs may include hollow ribs. The hollow ribs may be in fluidcommunication with the tree retaining member, preferably by means of amutual aperture. The hollow rib includes means to effect fluidcommunication between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member.The means may include one or more aperture in the rib wall.

The hollow ribs may be formed from shaped portions of the fluidreservoir, preferably shaped portions of the base of the fluidreservoir.

The ribs may include guiding means arranged to in use assist in theassociation of a tree with the tree retaining member. The guiding meansinclude at least one guiding surface arranged at an angle to the treeretaining member. Suitably, of each guiding surface includes asubstantially planar surface. Suitably, of each guiding surface projectsupward and outward from the tree retaining member. Suitably, a guidingsurface is associated with each rib.

The spacing means includes at least one projection arranged to protrudefrom the base of the tree retaining member. The projection includes adomed projection. The projection is arranged concentrically with thetree retaining member.

The tree stand may further include weighting means. The weighting meansincludes a base member which may be connected to the fluid reservoir orformed integrally with the fluid reservoir.

The base member includes a plurality of legs, which in use, are arrangedto engage a surface on which the tree stand is mounted.

The tree stand may be of any suitable material, but is preferably metal(including alloy) and is more preferably constructed from iron, castiron, aluminium or stainless steel.

According to an aspect, there is provided a kit including a tree standof the first, second or third aspect of the invention and a tree.

The tree is a cut tree suitable for use as a Christmas tree.

The cut tree includes a trunk which in the region of the cut endthereof, has a circumference substantially identical to the interiorcircumference of the tree retaining member.

According to an aspect, there is provided a method of securing a cuttree in a tree stand, the method including:

-   -   (a) providing a tree stand including a fluid reservoir about a        tree retaining member, wherein strengthening means are provided        between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member;    -   (b) shaping a portion of the trunk of the cut tree at the cut        end of the tree such that its surface dimensions are        substantially identical to the interior dimensions of the tree        retaining member; and    -   (c) inserting the shaped portion of the trunk into the tree        retaining member such that the tree is secured to the interior        of the tree retaining member by abutment of the tree with the        interior surface of the tree retaining member.

According to an aspect, there is provided a method of securing a cuttree in a tree stand, the method including:

-   -   (a) providing a tree stand including a fluid reservoir and a        tree retaining member including tree gripping means, wherein the        tree gripping means include at least one projection;    -   (b) shaping a portion of the trunk of the cut tree at the cut        end of the tree such that its surface dimensions are        substantially identical to the interior dimensions of the tree        retaining member; and    -   (c) inserting the shaped portion of the trunk into the tree        retaining member such that the tree is secured to the interior        of the tree retaining member by abutment of the tree with the        interior surface of the tree retaining member.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of securing a cut tree in a tree stand, the method including:

-   -   (a) providing a tree stand including a fluid reservoir and a        tree retaining member including spacing means arranged to in use        maintain separation between at least part of the end of the cut        tree retained by the tree retaining means and a base portion of        the tree retaining member;    -   (b) shaping a portion of the trunk of the cut tree at the cut        end of the tree such that its surface dimensions are        substantially identical to the interior dimensions of the tree        retaining member; and    -   (c) inserting the shaped portion of the trunk into the tree        retaining member such that the tree is secured to the interior        of the tree retaining member by abutment of the tree with the        interior surface of the tree retaining member.

The tree may therefore be gripped by the gripping means within the treeretaining member to more securely hold the tree in the tree stand.

The tree may therefore be at least partially separated from the base ofthe tree retaining member by the spacing means to allow fluid access toa complementary portion of the base of the tree.

By “cut tree” we mean a tree which has been cut by any suitable means toprovide a cut end of the trunk of the tree distal to the apex of thetree. Thus trees may be cut by chopping, cutting, sawing and the likefor example.

The cut end of the trunk of the tree may be shaped by any suitablemeans, including sawing, chopping, shaving, planing or the like.

The method further includes the step of adding water to the fluidreservoir, and water may be added to partly or completely fill thereservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various aspects of the invention, andto show how embodiments of the same may be put into practice, a specificembodiment will now be described, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an upper perspective view of a first embodiment ofthe tree stand of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an upper perspective view of a second embodiment ofthe tree stand of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a lower perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates an upper perspective view of a third embodiment ofthe tree stand of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an upper perspective view of a fourth embodiment ofthe tree stand of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a lower perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 9about the line A-A looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10about the line B-B looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a fluid reservoir useful in the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 a tree stand 2 comprises a weighting means inthe form of a base 10 which includes four legs 12. Connected to the base10 is a fluid reservoir 4 which is cylindrical in shape. Connectedconcentrically within the fluid reservoir 4 on the base 10, is a treeretaining member 6 which is cylindrical in shape. Between the treeretaining member 6 and the fluid reservoir are ribs 20 made up fromsubstantially planar sheet material. The tree retaining member 6comprises an aperture 8 located at the connection between the retainingmember 6 and the base 10, which allows fluid communication between theretaining member 6 and the fluid reservoir 4. The tree retaining member6 further comprises tree gripping means 14 to help hold the tree inplace.

In use, a tree, such as a Christmas tree, which has been cut down by anysuitable means, first has its trunk, at the cut end thereof, shaped tosubstantially the identical circumference as the interior circumferenceof the retaining member 6.

The cut end of the tree is then inserted into the retaining member 6. Asthe circumference of the cut end of the tree is substantially identicalto the interior circumference of the retaining member 6, the tree isheld tight in the tree stand 2 without the need to use any mechanicalmeans such as screws, bolts or the like, to secure the tree in the standand prevent it moving about within the stand. As mechanical means arenot needed to secure the tree, the tree stand of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-3 is easy to use and a tree can be inserted without the userhaving to bend down to ground level and actuate mechanical means. Thusthe tree stand 2 is particularly suited for use to elderly and infirmpersons.

The tree gripping means 14 comprises a plurality of projections arrangedaround the interior surface of the tree retaining member 6. Theprojections comprise veins running substantially axially with the treeretaining member arranged to maintain a degree of separation between thetree trunk and portions of the interior surface of the tree retainingmember 6. In use the veins can grip the surface of a tree trunk toprevent rotation of the tree about its axis relative to the tree stand2, and resist lifting of the tree relative to the tree stand 2.Furthermore, the separation between certain portions of the tree trunkand the tree retaining member 6 allows fluid to move within the treeretaining member 6.

When the tree has been inserted into the stand 2, water is then pouredinto the fluid reservoir 4 to a desired level.

The presence of the aperture 8 in the retaining member 6 allows water toflow into the interior of the retaining member 6 around the cut end ofthe tree. Thus water can be absorbed through the cut end of the tree inorder to increase the useful life of the tree, and reduce dehydration ofthe tree.

The base 10 of the stand 2 helps to weight the stand 2 and tree toprevent the tree from toppling in use or when.

The ribs 20 strengthen the stand 2, and reduce the likelihood that thetree retaining member is damaged when the tree is inserted, or when thetree is agitated or accidentally knocked.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second tree stand 22 comprising a tree retainingmember 6 and a fluid reservoir 4, and a base 10, along with four ribs 20and a slot 18. The fluid reservoir 4 is a substantially frustoconicalshape closed at one end by the base 10, and open at the other end. Thefluid reservoir 4 includes a ledge 36, arranged to co-operate with anedge of a separate diaphragm (not shown). The tree retaining member issubstantially cylindrical, and includes a slot 18 cut in the curvedsurface to allow fluid communication between the tree retaining member 6and the fluid reservoir 4. Additional slots or apertures may be providedin the tree retaining member to allow fluid communication between otherportions of the fluid reservoir 4 and the tree retaining member 6.

The ribs 20 are disposed at right angles to one another around the treeretaining member 6, and extend across the base 10 to couple the treeretaining member 6 to the fluid reservoir 4. The ribs 20 comprisehollow, arched channels of sheet material to give strength withoutadding significantly to the amount of material needed to form the treestand 22.

In alternative embodiments the ribs 20 may be connected between the treeretaining member 6 and the fluid reservoir 4 without contacting thebase, or with cut-out sections arranged to allow fluid free passagearound the base 10. The ribs 20 may include means to effect fluidcommunication between the reservoir 4 and tree retaining member 6, suchas an aperture for example.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown a third tree stand 23 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. The tree retaining member 6comprises a substantially frustoconical member 25 mounted within adiaphragm 24.

The diaphragm 24 is detachably coupled to a fluid reservoir 4 by pushfitting into an open end of the fluid reservoir 4. The tree retainingmember 6 includes tree gripping means 14 comprising a plurality ofprojections arranged around the interior surface of the tree retainingmember 6.

In addition to the tree retaining member 6 of the diaphragm, a treeretaining member 6 may be provided in the base 10 of the fluid reservoir4. The fluid reservoir 4 may comprise the tree stand 2 or 22 of thefirst or second embodiments.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show a fourth tree stand 26 comprising a tree retainingmember 6 and a fluid reservoir 4, and a base 10, along with fourstrengthening ribs 20. The fluid reservoir 4 is a substantiallyfrustoconical shape closed at one end by the base 10, and open at theother end. The tree retaining member is substantially cylindrical.

The ribs 20 are disposed at right angles to one another around the treeretaining member 6, and extend across the base 10 to couple the treeretaining member 6 to the fluid reservoir 4. The ribs 20 comprisehollow, arched channels of sheet material to give strength withoutadding significantly to the amount of material needed to form the treestand 22. The ribs form part of the fluid reservoir 4.

The ribs 20 comprise guiding means 30 that couple to the tree retainingmember 6. The guiding means 30 comprise substantially planar surfacesthat project upwardly and outwardly from an upper portion of the treeretaining member 6 at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to thevertical. As a tree is inserted into the tree stand 26 it may beimperfectly aligned with the tree retaining member 6, either byrotationally or positionally. In these circumstances the trunk of thetree may contact the guiding means 30 and thereby be guided toward andinto the tree retaining member 6 as the tree is lowered.

The tree stand 26 further includes spacing means comprising a projection40 arranged to protrude from the base of the tree retaining member 6.The projection 40 comprises a hollow dome formed in the base of the treeretaining member and arranged concentrically with the tree retainingmember. When a tree is positioned within the tree retaining member 6 aportion of the base of the tree trunk abuts the projection 6, therebymaintaining a space between the rest of the base of the tree trunk andthe tree retaining member. In this way water present in the treeretaining member may be taken up by the tree, as water is not deniedaccess to the base of the tree trunk by virtue of the abutment of thewhole of the tree trunk with the base of the tree retaining member.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a tree stand of the invention is shown in moredetail. A fluid reservoir 34 comprises an aperture 38, the edge of whichmay be arranged to complement the edge of a diaphragm (not shown) toensure a water tight seal at the interface of the fluid reservoir 34 andthe edge of the diaphragm. Also shown in FIG. 12 is a ledge 36. Theledge 36 can help support a diaphragm while in use with the fluidreservoir 34 and acts as a stop to prevent a diaphragm from passing toofar within the fluid reservoir 34. FIG. 12 also shows a treebase-retaining means 70 formed at the centre of a base of the fluidreservoir (including gripping means on the inside thereof, not shown).The fluid reservoir 34 also includes strengthening means extending fromthe base-retailing means 70 to the bottom of the fluid reserver 34.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with or previous to this specification in connectionwith this application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tree stand, comprising: a fluid reservoir having a base and a surrounding wall; a tree retaining member formed at the base of the fluid reservoir, wherein the tree retaining member is configured to hold a tree inserted therein by resisting lifting of a tree inserted therein relative to the tree stand, without using moveable mechanical means comprising screws or bolts; and strengthening means formed from shaped portions of the base of the fluid reservoir and configured to extend from the tree retaining member toward the wall of the fluid reservoir, wherein the strengthening means is spaced from the wall of the fluid reservoir.
 2. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein at least three strengthening means are disposed at substantially even intervals about the tree retaining member.
 3. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the strengthening means comprise open channels.
 4. The tree stand as recited in claim 3, wherein the open channels comprise a curved end portion.
 5. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the strengthening means are formed from shaped portions of the fluid reservoir.
 6. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the strengthening means are formed from shaped portions of the base of the fluid reservoir.
 7. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the strengthening means comprise hollow, arched channels of sheet material to give strength without adding significantly to the amount of material needed to form the tree stand.
 8. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the strengthening means comprise guiding means arranged to in use assist in the association of a tree with the tree retaining member.
 9. The tree stand as recited in claim 8, wherein the guiding means comprise at least one guiding surface arranged at an angle to the tree retaining member.
 10. The tree stand as recited in claim 9, wherein the guiding surface, or each guiding surface comprises a substantially planar surface.
 11. The tree stand as recited in claim 9, wherein the guiding surface, or each guiding surface projects upward and outward from the tree retaining member.
 12. The tree stand as recited in claim 11, wherein the guiding surface, or each guiding surface comprises a substantially planar surface that projects upwardly and outwardly from an upper portion of the tree retaining member at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the vertical.
 13. The tree stand as recited in claim 9, wherein a guiding surface is associated with each rib.
 14. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the tree retaining member does not substantially protrude from the fluid reservoir.
 15. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the tree retaining member comprises spacing means, arranged in use to maintain separation between at least part of the tree retained by the tree retaining member and a base portion of the tree retaining member, the spacing means comprising a domed projection arranged to protrude from the base of the tree retaining member.
 16. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the tree retaining member comprises spacing means, arranged in use to maintain separation between at least part of the tree retained by the tree retaining member and a base portion of the tree retaining member, the spacing means comprising a projection arranged concentrically with the tree retaining member.
 17. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a cylindrical or frustoconical member being closed at one end thereof, and the tree retaining member is connected to the closed end of the cylindrical or frustoconical member.
 18. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the fluid reservoir and tree retaining member are in fluid communication.
 19. The tree stand as recited in claim 1, wherein the shaped portions are hollow ribs. 